Culture

by ALISHA DANIELLE M. GREGORIO
IN THE Philippines, family and heritage are two important things. They are the roots of tradition and, up to this day, people still value them. Food is another thing that can characterize the Filipino culture, which is why Shantung Restaurant decided to combine all three to share with everyone else.
The Chinese-themed eatery is located along West Avenue in Quezon City and prides itself in offering authentic Chinese food derived from Shantung province in China. Manager Justin Chang shares that his late grandfather Joseph Chang Men-Chi was the one who migrated to the Philippines to begin his food business in Manila. The family-owned restaurant has been open for over 60 years and is still going strong.
They offer a variety of Chinese food that has b...

TO CHANGE the world one book at a time—that is the mission of the Big Bad Wolf (BBW) book sale, the largest and arguably cheapest book fair in the world today.
Named after a popular children’s book character, BBW was established by Andrew Yap and Jacqueline Ng in Malaysia. It has been gaining excellent public response ever since, and rightfully so, after selling millions of books for low prices in different countries like Taiwan, Thailand, and the Philippines.
The first time the sale hit the metro was in 2018, when about two million books were sold to thousands of Filipino book lovers.
This year, the same amount of books were up for grabs at the World Trade Center in Pasay City from Feb. 22 to Mar. 4. The book sale was once again open 24 hours a day and free of admission fees.

LITTERATEURS GATHER on Saturday afternoons to exchange opinions and different perceptions by interacting through books over some snacks and glasses of wine.
In one of their book discussions at Solidaridad Bookshop in Ermita, Manila last Feb. 23, some renowned professors from the Faculty and book lovers convened yet again for the Philippine Center of International PEN’s (Poets & Playwrights, Essayists, Novelists) launch of the three new titles from the UST Publishing House.
The books launched were Ang Tagalabas sa Panitikan by Chuckberry Pascual, Sa Mga Pagitan ng Buhay at Iba pang Pagtutulay by Ralph Semino Galan, and Finding Teo: Tula at Talambuhay by Joselito Delos Reyes.
All three authors are part of the UST Center of Creative Writing and Literary Studies (CCWLS). Pascu

by CHRISTINE JANINE T. CORTEZ and THERIZ LIZEL R. SILVANO
THOUGHT-PROVOKING pieces were exhibited in the sixth year of the highly anticipated Art Fair held from Feb. 22 to 24 at The Link in Ayala Center, Makati City. With its aim to promote the best of contemporary art, the event highlighted diversity through exhibiting interactive art, photographs, sculptures, videos, paintings, and ceramic art.
This year, the exhibits were spread over five floors to accommodate a bigger audience, making the galleries and artworks, both local and international, more exciting for the public.
Two hundred “heads” made of organic materials and coconut shells rendered the viewers wide-eyed in Oscar Villamiel’s Cheap Medicine. It is a thrilling installation where the heads are laughing out of dar

By ANGELA A. CHUA
ALTHOUGH people age, the child they once were always stays with them. Props maker Johanna Lietz proved this in her two-section exhibit titled Steel and Skin which was on display at Gallery in the Gutter. Lietz, along with tattoo artists Sophiya Franchesca and Neil Tanaleon, showed their take on limitless possibilities as adult enthusiasts of cosplay and tattoo art.
Children’s fantasies and wild imaginations help them face their greatest fears and become braver; every day, they bring their whimsies to life through endless adventures and fun. Lietz, who has had an undeniable interest in science fiction and fantasy since she was a child, presented post-apocalyptic handheld weapon props that were inspired by games such as Fallout and Destiny.
Lietz brought each w

By ANGELA A. CHUA ALISHA DANIELLE M. GREGORIO
EVERY YEAR that passes leaves marks on people through countless events, memories, and highlights. 2018 has been a year of change and countless trends, gossip, and challenges from the start all the way to the end. Here is a lineup of some unforgettable moments that 2018 brought that made noise on social media:
A ‘once in a blue moon’ phenomenon
At the start of the year, the Philippines was able to witness the rare Super Blue Blood Moon: a lunar eclipse, a blue moon, and a supermoon occurring at the same time. This three-in-one moon phenomenon lasted for about an hour and a half and was last seen over 150 years ago. Hence, people were excited and in awe when the momentous event took place.
Much-awaited Marvel crossover
Many a

By DOMINIQUE NATHANIELLE M. MULI
IF THERE is anything prominent about President Rodrigo Duterte’s traits, aside from his blatant disregard for human rights, it is his spite for women. By now, it is already clear: holding a high ranking position does not stop him from making sexist remarks.
Nikki Luna’s display at 1335Mabini titled This is how to be a woman of the world? is dedicated to sharing sexual harassment stories of women from different parts of the world and how they are still victimized by injustices perpetuated by the same old sexist mentality.
Upon entering the all-white exhibit, a full-length mirror with a rusty frame catches all eyes.
The president’s infamous statement saying that there are many rape cases in Davao because the city has “many beautiful women” ta

by THERIZ LIZEL R. SILVANO
THE UST Chorus of Arts and Letters (AB Chorale), led by their conductor, Mark Agpasa, once again showcased their talents and celebrated their legacy in Gloria et Exaltatio (Glory and Pride) on Dec. 1 at the UST Museum of Arts and Sciences.
The harmonious coordination of the voices of AB Chorale’s members, alumni, and trainees first began to stun the audience when they sang Jubilate Deo, their opening song for the night. The spirited hymn is a song of gathering and joy that calls for tranquility, which the singers performed with vibrant synchronization. It was exquisitely sang with a mixture of dynamic and serene euphony which highlighted the sacred text.
It comes as no surprise how these performers won back-to-back championships in Himig Tomasino las

By CHRISTINE JANINE T. CORTEZ
TO EXPERIENCE police impunity is a crime, but to endure the same episode twice is a violation of human rights. Award-winning photographer and forerunner of Philippine photojournalism Alex Baluyut debuted his photo book exhibit titled "Brother Hood,” which pertains to the name of the group of policemen belonging and appointed to watch over the corners of Metro Manila, on Oct. 11.
In his exhibit, Baluyut condones the inevitable necessity to point out the parallelism between his old photographs and the rampant killings provoked by the administration’s war on illegal drugs.
The impressive and poignant exhibit can be found at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB). The collection comprises of twenty photographs from the photo book along